Retractor

[Bubbletrubble]

A few years ago I bought a dozen stainless steel bolt snaps (similar to the one in BNow0707's pics above) for securing various gear to my rig. I think they cost $3 or $4 each. I never thought I'd use that many of them. Boy, was I wrong! With those bolt snaps, some bungee cord, and a length of surgical tubing, one can rig up many different kinds of gear attachments.

I prefer to place the compass on my wrist.

I would like to caution you against using too many tethers and retractors in your gear attachment schemes. Don't ask me how I know this...but suffice it to say that on a night dive it's possible to get all of that retractable stuff tangled up. YMMV.

Although I now keep some bungee cord in my save-a-dive kit, there was a time when I would use black elastic hairties exactly the way BNow0707 has shown above. My gf started to complain about her disappearing hairties, so I had to come clean about what I was using them for.

 

[raftingtigger]

Even comes in black!

I'd be afraid the line would break and I'd lose my gear. As for the black hair bands - they keep breaking when I use them in my hair. They tend to break at the joint. Just go to the local hardware store and buy some thin bungee cord. Tie both ends with an overhand knot. Make any size you want.

As for a 'real' retractor - I have 2. One is for my compass. It is easy to hold and snaps back when done. The other is for my smaller light. The light lives in my BC pocket with the retractor screwed onto the end of the right hand BC strap. Makes a nice neat package that is easy to use and stays out of the way. I have one of the coil and fastex buckle thingies for my larger light - but haven't used it yet.

 

[Shftrdog]

Gear keeper brand are the best and the are like $29 bucks or less depending on the size. If you get the delux one they can lock so you have keep any weight item on it. I would go with the Gear Keeper brand

 

[Wet Wes]

Gear Keeper - Retractable Gear Attachment Systems

I hate the clutter, but I love my retractors.

Newer BCDs come with special pockets, or grommets to allow you to mount the retractor in the pocket, thus ending the clutter.

Those ID retractors may last one dive, then you toss them. (They cost more than $5.00) If the cord doesn't rot, the thing will get loaded from silt. Moreover, you will not be able to mount anything heavier than a lobster scale on it.

I don't work for this company, but they sure do make good stuff. They have a variety as well, depending on what you want to retract.

Gear Keeper - Retractable Gear Attachment Systems

 

[DennisS]

I kind of gave up on retractors, I just tuck my cobra 2 into the chest strap of my BP/W. I used to use them and never had a problem except every few years the springs would go.